Knaphill were left frustrated once again as they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Sandhurst Town at Bottom Meadow. Against a team in the bottom part of the league, the Knappers struggled to impose themselves and missed a golden opportunity to end their winless run, which now stretches to eight games.

First Half

The game began with Knaphill looking to control possession, but they were undone by an early defensive error in the 16th minute. Gray passed the ball left to Watts, who carried it out from the back but saw his forward pass intercepted by Cooper. The Sandhurst midfielder drove into the box and, as Gray rushed out to close him down, squared the ball to Holley, who tapped into an empty net to give the hosts an early lead.

Knaphill equalised in the 34th minute with a moment of individual brilliance from Mitchell. Gray’s long kick found Mitchell down the left, who did superbly to bring the ball under control. Without hesitation, Mitchell struck it low and hard across the face of the goal, the ball nestling into the bottom right-hand corner to level the match.

However, Sandhurst regained the lead two minutes later through a perfectly executed set piece. Bath whipped a pinpoint free kick from the left into a dangerous area, and defender Allison made an attacking run to meet it. Rising above his marker, he flicked the ball into the net, leaving Gray rooted to the spot and restoring Sandhurst’s advantage before halftime.

Second Half

Knaphill came out with greater urgency after the break and made their first substitution in the 55th minute, with Copland replacing Baisden to add more attacking threat. However, their task became more challenging in the 57th minute when Frith was sin-binned for dissent, reducing the team to 10 men for a crucial period.

Despite being a player down, Knaphill found their equaliser in the 63rd minute. Sellick’s relentless pressing forced Maadani into a mistake, and Sellick drove into the box, weaving past Elliott’s outstretched foot. Vincent, making a run into the area, latched onto the ball and struck it cleanly into the bottom corner for his first goal for Knaphill, levelling the game at 2-2.

Immediately after the goal, Knaphill made their second change in the 64th minute, bringing on debutant Kamara to replace Vincent. In the 69th minute, Knaphill made two further changes, with Murdoch replacing Mitchell and Jakubowski coming on for Sellick.

Frith returned to the pitch shortly after, but his involvement was short-lived. In the 74th minute, he was sent off after a clash with a Sandhurst player, tripping him up during a heated moment and leaving Knaphill down to 10 men for the remainder of the game.

Knaphill nearly took the lead in the 75th minute through Cooke. Driving forward from right-back, Cooke unleashed a screamer from outside the box, forcing a stunning save from the Sandhurst goalkeeper, who pushed the ball around the post for a corner.

Knaphill made their final substitution in the 90th minute, with Bower replacing Thompson to add fresh legs. Still, the Knappers were unable to create any further opportunities as the referee brought the game to a close.

Final Thoughts

Knaphill will be disappointed with this result against a struggling Sandhurst side. This was an excellent opportunity to end their winless run, and they had enough quality in the team to do that. Knaphill drop to 9th place and will hope their form turns back to winning ways at home to Camberley next Saturday.

Player of the Match: Ben Mitchell
Ben Mitchell took his goal well, put himself about, and worked hard leading the line, providing a strong contribution for Knaphill on a frustrating afternoon.

Sandhurst Town Line-Up:
White, Maadani, Brough, Allison, Elliott (C), Bath (Elliott Miles 67), Cooper, Holley (Lawes 80), Osunkoya (Morrison 85), Smirnoff, Qoloni (Kamuabo 90+2).

Unused Substitutes:
Slade.

Knaphill Line-Up:
Gray, Cooke, Stanic Stewart, Watts (C), Thompson (Bower 90+1), Frith, Baisden (Copland 55), Sellick (Jakubowski 69), Vincent (Kamara 64), Anokye, Mitchell (Murdoch 69).

Unused Substitutes:
None.

Match Details:
Full-time: Sandhurst Town 2-2 Knaphill
Half-time: Sandhurst Town 2-1 Knaphill

Saturday 14 December 2024
Combined Counties League Premier Division South
Kick-off: 3 PM
Venue: Bottom Meadow